Hydrangea, the Quick-change Stars
Owning to the change of flower color (correctly calyx) the floral language
is "inconstant mood or runaround". But it also has another language
like "endearing love" and "powerful woman". Any way
a few will send this flower to his girl friends.
Hydrangea is a blue flower of Oriental origin. In Edo period it was transported
to Europe, where it turned red or purple because of European soil is alkalis,
then came back to Japan in Meiji period and spread nationwide.
The flower color depends on the soil it grows - if acid it turns blue and
red in case of alkalis - like a litmus paper.
 |
 |
|
| Coming into bloom the color is white like a snowball and condemning "I
am pure", but after a while it is getting colored..... (Funabashi, Setagaya early in May) |
Calyx hydrangea ("Gaku Ajisai") (Tenjinbashi, Osaka City) "Fireworks at Sumida River" |
|
 (Ohara, Setagaya) |
 (Kinuta, Setagaya) |
|
| Finally run off like a hare | ||
 (Matsubara, Setagaya) |
Have dyed. |  (Sakura Josui, Setagaya) |
| If the soil is alkalis | ||
 (Hanegi, Setagaya) |
 (Sakura Josui, Setagaya) |
|
| Others.... | ||
White hydrangea (Kinuta, Setagaya) |
Variant of calyx hydrangea (Akatsutsumi, Setagaya) |
There are lots of famous places to see hydrangea in metropolitan area like
Meigetu-in in Kamakura.
Inokashira Line of Keio is a hidden spot of hydrangea. 20 minutes ride
from Shibuya to Kichijoji makes the passengers relax. If you have a time
please get on the train.
| On the bank along the railway | In front of the platform of Higashimatsubara station | |
 (Matsubara, Setagaya, near Higashimatsubara station) |
 (Matsubara, Setagaya) |
| Lantana ("Shichihenge") Lantana is also a quick-change performer. These flowers bloom in a same branch. Which do you think quicker? (Matsubara, Setagaya) |
 |
 |
 |